Flash Flood — Coconino, Arizona

2010-07-20 · near Cosnino, Coconino, Arizona

Event narrative

Heavy rain over the Schultz Fire burn area caused extensive flash flooding on both sides of Highway 89 northeast of Flagstaff. A 12 year old girl was swept away in the flood waters and drowned. Two rain gauges within the burn area reported 1.48 and 1.78 inches of rain in 52 minutes and 62 minutes respectively. The flood waters, ash, mud, debris, and rocks 2-3 feet in diameter covered roads, properties, and entered homes. Highway 89 was closed as were the main roads west of Highway 89. The water slowed down once it crossed Highway 89. However, the heavy silt prevented the water from percolating into the cinders east of Highway 89. The flood waters flowed across the road leading to the Flagstaff City Dump and eventually into a few dozen homes south of the dump. In all, as many as 85 homes were damaged by the flooding.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms produced heavy rain over the Schultz Fire burn area and produced flash flooding, ash, and debris flow. Numerous properties were impacted and roads were closed.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.2700, -111.5100)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 253123. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.